I know that Colmar, France is considered the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast but the writers clearly didn’t pass through the Alsace town of Kaysersberg, France! I arrived in Colmar on a Saturday morning and immediately dropped my bags in my hotel before catching a bus for a magical day trip to Kaysersberg, France. Due to multiple recommendations and an overabundance of Pinterest photos, I knew that I had to visit this adorable town. While the bus schedule was a bit confusing (more about that below!), Kaysersberg was less than an hour bus ride from Colmar. If you’re ever in the Alsace region, you must take a day trip to this fairy tale town.

Wine Region of Kaysersberg, France:

Even with a population of less than 3,000 people, this charming town on the Alsace Wine Route is bustling with colorful buildings and quaint architecture. Having been growing wine for over 400 years – and still being one of the main economic sources for this town – Kaysersberg is not to be missed by any wine lover (or photography lover or really anyone that loves quaint villages)! Due to its size and compactness, it is easily doable to see the town in an afternoon.

The first wine vines were actually brought to this region from Hungary in the 1600s. The region and town are especially known for their pinot gris variety, still one of the main wines produced. If you’re looking for an extra special wine experience, make sure to stop by Domaine Weinbach winery.

History of Kaysersberg, France:

This medieval town was originally mentioned in 1227 when Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire acquired a castle in present-day Kaysersberg. Initially named “Kaisersberg” (in German) or “Emperor’s Mountain,” the town quickly rose in prominence and the castle became a strategic fortress in region against the Duchy of Lorraine. By 1293, the city was declared a Free Imperial City (just as Colmar was) and in 1354, Kaysersberg entered into the Décapole alliance – a pact between ten Alsatian towns and cities that advocated maintaining their own rights as Imperial cities while providing assistance and protection to each other.

The Décapole alliance was disbanded in 1679 following the annexation of the entire region by King Louis XIV of France following the Thirty Years’ War. By this point, the town was almost completely abandoned due to destruction and it wouldn’t repopulate until the French Revolution almost 100 years later. Similar to Colmar, Kaysersberg was annexed by Germany in 1871 and returned to France after WWI. Even though the town has technically been French for the past 100 years, the architecture, name, and local cuisine pay homage to the town’s German roots.

Kaysersberg – France’s Favorite Village:

In 2017, Kaysersberg was named France’s favorite village, beating out 12 other finalists. It won due to its friendly locals, walkable streets, and adorable architecture (look at all the half-timbered houses!). To be honest, due to the German influence, it felt like I was in a German village most of the time. And while the town sees about 700,000 tourists a year, it still seemed quite empty when I visited (even though it was a weekend in July). Even more reason to take a magical day trip to Kaysersberg, France! ;)

Kaysersberg, France during WWII:

Maybe it’s the American patriotism in me but I absolutely love seeing flags flying! Due to Germany’s history, you barely ever see a German flag flown or shown (this is actually an upcoming post by the Prince – a look at nationalism and patriotism in Germany versus the USA). When I saw this French flag, I had to stop and take an excessive amount of photos.

On the side of the main church was this plaque commemorating the liberation of Kaysersberg in December 1944. Out of all the countries I’ve visited in Europe, I think that France still remembers WWII the most. When I was in Normandy during the 70-year anniversary of D-Day back in 2014, there were still lots of signs, plaques, and even store windows thanking the British and American troops for their help during the liberation (something that my parents also talked about when they were in that same region 25 years earlier). It definitely puts a lump in your throat and makes you just a bit more patriotic.

A Magical Day Trip to Kaysersberg, France:

How adorable is that man in the white t-shirt looking out of his window? What a wonderful view he has (and the stories/people he must observe!). As I mentioned, Kaysersberg really is the most romantic, fairy tale, magical day trip from Colmar. I’m so happy I stumbled upon this town and can’t wait to spend more time here in the future!

Tips + Hints For a Day Trip to Kaysersberg:

As I mentioned above, the bus schedules were not very clear online and totally in French (which, unfortunately, I can’t read!). This is the only bus schedule I’ve found online. You’ll take bus 145B to Kaysersberg and bus 145A back to Colmar. The bus ride took 40-50 minutes – a car or bike is much easier.

Kaysersberg is an easy afternoon trip. I think I arrived in Kaysersberg around 1 pm and was back in Colmar by 5 pm!

Make sure to visit Château de Kaysersberg. It’s been around for almost 800 years and plays an important role in Kaysersberg’s history.

Local cuisine includes lots of tarte flambée (also known as Flammkuchen or Flammekuechle – depending on the region/language) and delicious white wines – definitely sample it!

I mean, obviously this place is spectacularly photogenic but your photos are always so gorgeous. I just posted a recipe for Flammkuchen… I feel that this is clearly serendipitous and it must be made again STAT. Thank you for the excuse ;)

Jordan, I’ve neber wanted to go to France more than I do now! That little town is the epitome of a perfect fairy tale town! Absolutely adding it to my list. Did it seem touristy to you? And would it be worth staying overnight do you think?

I absolutely adore your photographs! This is such a cute little town – properly like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale :-) Colmar was already on my list and I’ve just added Kaysersberg to it now!

Thank you for this, we are going to Colmar this August and we plan to go to Riquewihr & Kaysersberg. We plan to take a bus from Colmar to Riquewihr spend 1/2 day then visit Kaysersberg for 1/2 day then back to Colmar. Can I take the same bus?

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Moin! I'm Jordan - the writer, dreamer, traveler, and photographer behind Wayfaring With Wagner! While my travels have taken me to 37 European countries, a German boy is the reason I now call Hamburg, Germany home. Thanks for joining me on my wayfaring adventures!